With over 19 years of experience in Human Resources, specializing in Talent Acquisition and Talent Management, I’ve handled diverse global recruitment projects spanning the US, UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. I’ve also had the privilege of working in both the UAE and the US.
Mr. Balaji Govindarajan’s Professional Journey
My journey in the IT industry began during the buzzing tech era of the ’90s and early 2000s when I started as a Programmer. Despite my entry into the industry, I, like many others, faced a setback during the dot-com burst. At the time, I didn’t possess technical qualifications, having graduated in Economics with computer skills gained from a private institution. It was a challenging period, searching for the right opportunity. For a year, I explored different roles and found myself teaching computers in a school. This experience with children not only honed my teaching skills but also steered me towards a career as a trainer.
Subsequently, I transitioned into Sales, initially selling vacation packages and later dabbling in selling current accounts at a bank. These experiences broadened my horizons and exposed me to the challenges of the real world. Reaching the pinnacle from the rock bottom was no easy feat. I continuously updated my skills during my free time, yet suitable opportunities remained elusive. I vividly recall traveling for interviews in the year 2000, participating in various weekend Walk-ins in Bangalore and Hyderabad, only to face large crowds and often hearing the disheartening words, “We have identified candidates. Better luck next time.” During this period, I never truly felt that being a programmer was my calling.
However, a turning point arrived when I secured an opportunity to manage housekeeping and kitchen cleaning staff in a prominent MNC hotel in Chennai through an outsourcing company. This marked a breakthrough, and it became evident that the hotel industry was my true calling. I immersed myself in this fast-paced environment and discovered a genuine interest.
During this period, I enrolled in an Executive program in Human Resources at the esteemed B-School, LIBA. Here, I delved into the intricacies of Human Resources, and my thirst for knowledge led me to pursue a Master’s in Human Resources from Pondicherry University.
Subsequently, I extended my expertise while working for my father’s consulting firm, where I supported clients from the energy sector in India and the Middle East. It was a challenging landscape, with job boards being exorbitantly priced, and the recruitment process was still in a testing phase. My only recourse was Google and Yahoo groups. I posted my first job listing, navigating through the maze of trial and error, which ultimately revealed my true passion for recruitment. Through this experience, I generated significant business for my father’s company, although at the time, I hadn’t contemplated launching my own business.
My career trajectory led me to work with prominent staffing companies in India, and subsequently, I became part of organizations like HCL and Bahwan Cybertek. These roles equipped me with valuable multitasking skills and ingrained the importance of situational awareness and proactivity. These lessons and experiences laid the foundation for my future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Who has had the greatest influence on Mr. Balaji Govindarajan’s life and for what reason?
I’ve been fortunate to have had mentors who recognized my skills and consistently motivated me to enhance and continuously develop them. Their guidance emphasized the importance of maintaining a perpetual learning curve, whether it directly aligns with my current role or is an investment in future learning. These principles have become the guiding mantras that continue to drive my commitment to learning.
What journey led you to your current role/position?
For a few years, I had contemplated the idea, and it was during the challenging period of COVID that I gained a fresh perspective. With the unwavering support of my family, I was inspired to establish a Human Resource Solutions company.
The biggest challenges Mr. Balaji Govindarajan has faced in his life?
One of the most challenging periods in my life occurred during the early 2000s with the dot-com burst. It presented a significant challenge, and I found myself uncertain about the path to follow, as job opportunities were scarce. I faced the daunting task of rebuilding my career from scratch. It was a vital part of survival, so I humbly began anew as a fresher. This journey allowed me to accumulate valuable experience and exposure across various industries.
What have been the most significant lessons from your career?
The lessons I learned in my younger years have continually reminded me of the importance of adapting to a survival mode mentality. When I provide career coaching to senior executives who have recently faced job losses, I often observe that they struggle because they perceive “failure” as a harsh and unwelcome word. For some, a single job loss can feel like the end of their career journey. However, one of the most vital lessons I’ve gained from my professional career is that unless you experience failure, you cannot truly learn and grow. Embracing this perspective is essential. When you’re in survival mode, you’ll discover a wealth of opportunities waiting for you.
What do you see as the primary challenge facing brands in the digital realm?
The most significant challenge lies in achieving clarity and addressing the specific needs of our target audience. We must align with what the customer truly requires.
How do your services work to resolve the challenges and issues experienced by your customers?
“Scripting Resumes” provides solutions in resume writing, where our clients benefit from maximizing their reach to recruiters. Additionally, our career coaching aims to identify new opportunities for our clients. We achieve this by effectively showcasing our clients’ skills to industry leaders and highlighting their potential as outstanding candidates who should not be overlooked. As a result, our clients gain opportunities to secure interviews, even creating job opportunities for those who have previously struggled to secure a single interview. Our mission is to generate more interviews and enhance the reach of recruiters for our clients.
What hobbies or activities do you pursue in your spare time?
Marathon Runner, Pencil Sketching, Nature photography.
What counsel does Mr. Balaji Govindarajan offer to aspiring entrepreneurs or executives?
As a survivor and aspiring entrepreneur, it’s natural to set ambitious goals, and that’s commendable. However, the primary objective, initially, should be generating revenue. This serves as the foundational goal. Maintaining a focus on your goals is essential, and once revenue starts flowing steadily, you’ll be better positioned to identify new opportunities. Keeping a vigilant eye on the market and staying open to new ideas is crucial. The ability to do so is most important, as unless you’re in survival mode, you might not fully perceive what’s happening around you.
Name: Balaji Govindarajan
Company & Job Title: Founder & CEO of “Scripting Resumes”
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balajirecruitspecialist/
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